LAYLAUsing my apron to wipe my hands, I observed the dough rising in the stone oven. I smiled as the aroma of roasted meat and baked bread filled the kitchen.While the other maids were kneading dough, chopping vegetables and stirring pots I noticed that some of them were giggling at something.I shook my head and gave a small smile .I felt at home here even though I was the Luna. Perhaps it was because I enjoyed its normalcy, the sensation of accomplishing a straightforward simple task. But as soon as I looked out the window, my peaceful moment was destroyed and my heart sank immediatelyAt first I wasn't really sure of what I was seeing and I blinked rapidly.Young women in a long line were dragged into the courtyard. Their faces were bruised, their wrists were bound and their clothing was ripped. A few of them hobbled, while others were hardly conscious, their heads drooping like ragged dolls.I felt uneasy and I swallowed hard.I knew what I was seeing, I knew what this is.
DEL MORINO. I was having trouble breathing. The dream clung to me like thick oppressive smoke. Mother's voice, pleading with me to live, sacrificing herself for me, the screams of those who tried to protect us had filled my ears all these years and my mother's face was still etched in my memory.It's been years ago but since that day I could still feel the anger of having that scar on my left eye.It hurt me that I had lost the only person who cared for me.My shaky fingers automatically reached for my face and found the cool leather of the mask I wore, a barrier separating my shame and anger from the outside world. My memory was etched with the assassin's image—a man with an arrow and a crescent moon tattooed on his neck. After years of searching packs and questioning mercenaries I had never found him but he had disappeared like a ghost. His name was unknown and no one had ever seen him.Sometimes I wondered if I had imagined things that night.He was now like a shadow I couldn't
DEL MORINO Along the path to the Temple of the Moon Goddess, the branches of tall trees made it difficult to see the silver crescent moon that hung high in the sky. The smell of flowers that were blooming at night filled the air and the sound of gentle footsteps echoed through the silence. With the murmurs of our entourage behind us, my mother sat beside as she held my hand warmly. Although the temple has long been a quiet location for prayer and tranquility I felt uneasy tonight. My six year old mind was restless.Something or someone hiding in the shadows seemed to be observing us as the cart went through the hard route to the temple.Mother had said that the rocks along the paths might destroy the cars tires."Don't worry my son." my mother looked down at me and said with a gentle and reassuring tone." We will be back tomorrow , you will pray for everyone. For grandmother, for papa and for your brothers, right?"I nodded, looking up at her and gave a small smile.She squeezed my
It was just a few hours to dinner and my thoughts were racing against each other.At first, I thought it was just a joke but as I kept thinking about it, I felt so uneasy.At the moment all I had was stress and a pounding headache but being an alpha was supposed to bring dignity and power, isn't it?I kept thinking of the elder's warning: no Seal of the Moon, no pack security. And guess what? Layla had the key to that damned Seal.I guess so.Layla who most likely hated me now.Layla had sacrificed everything for me to pay her, I now had five concubines and a Luna who was constantly complainingI reclined in my chair and gazed up at the ceiling. After everything how was I going to persuade Layla to help me? I wasn't exactly an alpha who was good at begging. No that wouldn't work. Perhaps I could bribe her? She wasn't the kind to let money influence her.It was my fault her parents had died protecting me and I hadn't treated her kindly"Ugh." I groaned massaging my back. "It's a mess
I sighed These Elders don't know me.They had spoken like I should be scared or something.Then I should run to Del Morino's pack and beg Layla to come back, kissing her feet and shedding tears.Nah.Just because I'm in danger, even little pups are constantly in danger.To look intimidating or at least that's what I hoped, I twirled a dagger between my fingers while lounging on the meeting room's enormous fur chair. As though their breakfast had been stolen the elders sat in front of me with their typical sullen expressions. I choked back a yawn. Even though I knew better than to skip this meeting they were always a pain. The pack had heard rumors of danger more quickly than wildfire. "Alpha Drake. "said Elder Marius in a serious tone ."do you realize how serious this situation is?"Of course, I do.It was as serious as the offense they had just committed this morning, coming to stress my life with a meeting I never wanted.I waved a dismissive hand and said."Of course. I'm not
DRAKEI ignored the sunlight that poured in through my large windows. I lay sprawled on my velvet chaise and gazed at the ceiling's elaborate carvings letting my thoughts wander to things I'd prefer to forget.Layla. Her name evoked feelings I didn't want to confront like a whisper in my mind.I hate that I had seen her with Del Morino.Not that it mattered but the way she was, carrying herself with so much confidence and pride broke me in two.Not that I was hoping she had been a slave or something, but I had wished I was the one who had given her that luxury she was enjoying.Sh*tShe sacrificed everything to keep me safe and fought alongside me when others ran away.Stood up for me.Challenged those rogues years ago and lost her wolf and had a permanent scar on her face because of me.I had thrown her away as if she were nothing despite this.But I brushed that aside.I am an Alpha after all. Angrily, I stopped the thoughts and moved my mind elsewhere. I was worthy of choices.